Rapid test kits for Hepatitis B, Sickle cell anemia to be available at PHCs, government decides
This includes the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Sub-Centres and primary health centres.
Sources said the move follows feedback received from national programs and other subject experts, who highlighted the growing importance of providing rapid diagnostic tools at primary health facilities for early detection and treatment.
Many RDTs available in the market have not been included for the want of robust evidence. Officials said these tests can be reconsidered for inclusion in the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) once the required data is comprehensively assessed and verified, the officials said.
The ICMR, which is the apex health research agency, released the NEDL in 2019 to set basic standards for availability of diagnostic facilities at health facilities in the country. Recently, it has been updated to include RDTs and other requirements.
For example, the 2019 NEDL had kept certain diagnostic tests under the "hub-and-spoke" model at primary health centres (PHCs). A hub and spoke model in a laboratory setting is a healthcare delivery strategy where a central, well-equipped "hub" laboratory provides specialized diagnostic services, while smaller, less equipped "spoke" laboratories handle routine and less complex testing, with samples often transferred between the two.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No annual fees for life
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
However, the updated equipment list which was released recently suggests these tests should be available at the PHCs itself. This will do away with the need for sample transfer to hubs thereby making it possible to diagnose and treat a wider array of conditions at the lower level, the ICMR says. The updated NEDL also addresses the issue of new nomenclature of healthcare facilities with Sub-Centres now referred to as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
The revision of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) was undertaken through extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. The process began with an open call on the ICMR website inviting suggestions on the existing Essential Diagnostics List. This was followed by four rounds of consultations to discuss the suggestions received with the relevant experts and stakeholders. Subsequently, the draft revised list was deliberated with representatives from State NHM and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The final list incorporated the feedback and recommendations received in all consultations, officials said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Punjab rolls out drug prevention curriculum for Classes IX to XII from Aug 1
Chandigarh: The Punjab govt is all set to roll out a drug prevention curriculum for students of Classes IX to XII in all govt schools as part of the third phase of the ongoing "Yudh Nashian De Virudh" campaign, education minister Harjot Singh Bains announced on Monday. Bains said that AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann will jointly launch the statewide curriculum on Aug 1 at Arniwala in Fazilka district. Sharing details of the initiative, Bains said the pioneering curriculum was developed by J-PAL South Asia, an organisation led by Nobel Laureate Prof Abhijit Banerjee. The programme will target approximately eight lakh students in Classes IX to XII, focusing on prevention-oriented skills to help them resist substance abuse. The curriculum will consist of 35-minute sessions, held every fortnight over 27 weeks, and will use a mix of engaging tools—documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. The sessions will cover key areas such as myth-busting, refusal strategies, and resisting peer pressure, equipping students with the knowledge to make informed, healthy choices. The initiative will span 3,658 govt schools and involve more than 6,500 trained teachers, Bains said, underlining its wide reach and potential impact on Punjab's education and public health landscape. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He emphasised that the programme is evidence-based, developed in consultation with leading behavioural scientists, and evaluated through randomised control trials in 78 govt schools in Amritsar and Tarn Taran during 2024–25. These trials covered 9,600 students and were assessed by J-PAL South Asia. He held that the results were promising: awareness of the high addiction risk from even a single use of 'chitta' increased from 69% in the control group to 90% among students who underwent the program. Moreover, the belief that addiction can be overcome by willpower alone dropped from 50% to 20%, indicating success in debunking harmful myths related to substance abuse.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Wadia doc helps 40 kids with genetic disease get 1cr/yr US drug free for life
Mumbai: Early Monday morning, 14-year-old Bhavin Khare and his mother, Tanuja, set off from Thane's Murbad for Wadia Hospital, Parel, around 100km away, with a sense of anticipation. They had to collect a US drug—estimated to cost over Rs 1 crore for a year's supply—that would help him control the debilitating symptoms of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease he suffers from. "Bhavin has been struggling all his life. He manages to go to school only 50% of the days due to repeated cough and chest infections," Tanuja said, hoping the new drug would let him lead a "normal life". He is one of five children with cystic fibrosis who received a three-month supply of Trikafta, manufactured by US-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals, at the hospital Monday. Thirty-five others are scheduled to get it in the coming days. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "We have signed an MoU with the company which, on compassionate grounds, will provide a lifelong supply of Trikafta to 40 patients," said pulmonology department head Dr Parmarth Chandane, who communicated with the US company for almost a year. Due to patent laws, the drug isn't available in India and can only be imported. Affected children in wealthy nations have had access to the drug for almost eight years, and parents' groups in Karnataka, South Africa and Brazil have moved local courts seeking some mechanism like compulsory licensing to ensure their children get access to the drug, too. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo "The active ingredients for the three-drug combination (Trikafta—elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) that is now being called a miracle, are made in India, but our children don't have access to the finished product," said a doctor who didn't want to be identified. The Wadia Hospital distribution is the beginning of an alternative access for Indian patients. "The drug has shown promise, with certain research reports claiming patients will be able to enjoy a normal lifespan of 80 years as against the 15-20 years one normally associates with the disease," said Dr Chandane, who communicated with the US company for almost a year, seeking access for the 80 patients registered at Wadia Hospital. The company, however, said it would only provide drugs for patients over six years of age, resulting in only 40 qualifying for the free-for-life supply. Each of the affected children has to take three drugs—two in the morning and one in the evening—daily to prevent the buildup of thick, sticky mucus that usually clogs organs such as the lungs, pancreas and intestines, which could further lead to malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, as well as chronic lung disease. It's learnt that Vertex Pharmaceuticals will provide lifelong supply of the drug to patients registered at CMC Vellore in Tamil Nadu, too. "We are also in talks with the company for our patients," said paediatrician Dr Indu Khosla from SRCC Hospital, Haji Ali. "By offering such costly and essential medication free of charge, we're removing financial barriers for families. These children are getting a chance to breathe easier, grow healthy and live longer," said Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
PU's mental health crisis: One counsellor for 16,000 students
Chandigarh: The Supreme Court has delivered a sobering reminder to the nation: the rising tide of student suicides is not just a statistic — it's a reflection of a deeper, systemic failure. With over 13,000 student suicides reported in 2022 alone, and more than 2,200 linked directly to exam failures, the apex court has made it clear that educational institutions must urgently step up to support the mental well-being of their students. At Panjab University (PU), the reality is stark. Despite being home to over 16,000 students, the university has just one part-time mental health counsellor. Of the two sanctioned posts, one remained vacant for half a year and was only filled this Jan. The absence of a robust support system—dedicated wellness cells, professional mental health staff, and visible helpline information—paints a troubling picture. A few posters tucked away in hostel corridors are the only quiet reminders of a crisis that demands louder attention. This stands in contrast to repeated advisories from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which call for Student Wellness Centres, trained clinical psychologists, and peer-led support systems to make mental health care accessible and stigma-free. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Passive Income Ideas Sitting at Home Mone Undo Inside a modest room on the ground floor of PU's Student Centre, clinical psychologist Pulkita has been quietly holding space for students in distress. Since January, she has conducted 131 sessions, , each lasting between 45 minutes to an hour, with some even stretching to 90 minutes. "Most students come in overwhelmed, anxious, or feeling stuck," she shares. "Many don't even realize they're experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. The pressure starts long before they enter university." Even during exams, the flow of students didn't slow. "I expected fewer sessions, but the opposite happened. Many were physically exhausted, unable to sleep or eat, teetering on the edge," she recalls. The tragic suicide of PU student Aditya Thakur on April 28 was a turning point. "After his death, students came in waves. Some knew him, others didn't. But his passing unearthed buried grief. It became a mirror for their own pain." To reach more students, Pulkita has begun informal hostel visits and created a WhatsApp group with 374 students to share mental health resources. From August, she plans to systematically cover each hostel. Meanwhile, students themselves have taken initiative, launching an Instagram page—PU Mental Health Club—to foster peer support and openness. Yet, the university has not advertised for the second counsellor post. "We had planned to do so in March, but administrative delays held us back," said Professor Amit Chauhan, Dean, Student Welfare. "We're now in the process of issuing the advertisement." A senior PU official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the challenge of attracting qualified professionals. "The honorarium is just ₹20,000 a month for part-time counsellors. That's far below what they earn in private practice or even schools. We need to rethink the structure if we want lasting, meaningful mental health support." Gaping holes in colleges too Government and private colleges in the city have no exclusive counsellors. Institutions said they rely on psychology department teachers when students are in distress. But students say that's not enough. "How do you talk about your personal trauma to someone who teaches you or grades you?" said Harleen Kaur, a third-year student at a government college. "It's not just awkward, it's unsafe." What the UT dept says Director, higher education, Rubinderjit Singh Brar, said the department is willing to explore setting up counselling centres in colleges. "There are hospitals with expert psychologists and psychiatrists. If needed, we can refer students to them," he said. "As for dedicated centres, it will need creation of posts and permissions, but we can work on the modalities." Numbers say it all 2 part-time mental health counsellor posts sanctioned at PU 1 currently filled (since Jan 2025) 131 counselling sessions held from Jan–May 2025 45–90 minutes: Average duration of a session 374 students in PU's informal WhatsApp support group 0 full-time professional mental health staff on PU campus 0 display boards with Tele MANAS helpline number on campus What UGC guidelines say Every college and university must set up a Student Services Centre for stress and mental health support Professionally trained counsellors must be appointed under the centre's in-charge Counselling should be offered in person, online, by phone, or in group settings A reasonable counsellor-to-student ratio must be maintained to make the system effective Support details must be clearly displayed on institute websites and admission brochures Institutes should link up with nearby hospitals and psychiatrists if needed Records of vulnerable students should be kept for timely intervention
